Treasure Hunt

By Nancy Wood

When ten-year-old Tyler signs up for a Saturday afternoon treasure hunt sponsored by the city’s Parks department, he discovers much more than he bargained for.

His beloved Granny had begged him to register. She said he’d meet new kids, see some new places in Santa Cruz, and spend an afternoon outside, away from the computer. Tyler agreed, believing that when the day came, he’d be back with his mom.

But no.

That day is here, and Tyler is out in the woods, looking for treasure, with a group of kids he doesn’t know.

The only person he does recognize is that man — the one he never wanted to see again.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Paper Angel Press
• Release date: Feb 28, 2019
• ISBN: 9781949139075

Nancy Wood

Nancy Wood grew up in various locations on the East Coast and now calls Central California home. Recently retired, she spent 35 years as a technical writer, translating engineer-speak into words and sentences. She likens it to translating ancient Greek — when you’re not too familiar with the Greek part.Since retiring, she and her husband have been traveling the world. So far, they’ve visited France, Spain, England, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Belgium, the Netherlands, and India. They are not anywhere close to done and have many more trips planned.Nancy is also a passionate photographer, focusing on macro photography. She can be found at Nancy Wood Books.

Book preview

Treasure Hunt

A Shelby McDougall Story

Nancy Wood

copyright © 2019 by Nancy Wood

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, except for the purpose of review and/or reference, without explicit permission in writing from the publisher.

Originally published in 2018

as The Great Santa Cruz Treasure Hunt

in Santa Cruz Weird

by Good Read Publishers

Cover design copyright © 2019 by Niki Lenhart

nikilen-designs.com

Published by Paper Angel Press

paperangelpress.com

ISBN 978-1-949139-07-5 (Smashwords Edition)

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Treasure Hunt

Tyler’s eyes are fixed on the TV. His hands palm a game controller. A figure cloaked in red sprints into a thick mist and a fire-spitting dragon gives chase. Tyler thumbs a button; the figure turns, hurls his club, and the dragon explodes into a thousand bits. Tyler sits back, satisfied. Just as he is about to start the next level, a hand reaches over and turns off the screen.

Granny, Tyler objects.

It’s after noon. You’ve been at it an hour longer than we agreed. It’s time to stop.

That’s not fair. Tyler’s voice is quiet, but carries an edge.

Watch it, his grandmother warns. Or I’ll dock you.

Tyler knows she won’t. She’s a softie.

Anyway, she says. It’s time to go. The treasure hunt. Remember?

That’s today? Tyler pretends surprise.

Yes, we talked about it. Remember?

Tyler deflects. Granny, that’s a baby thing. None of my friends are going. They’re all at the skate park.

This is a lie. Tyler has no friends.

It’s paid for and you’re going, she says. Put your shoes on and get a jacket. She leans into the back of his chair. And leave your phone at home. The form said no phones.

Tyler doesn’t move and she jiggles his shoulder. Tyler sighs.

When his grandmother had found the eye-catching lime green flyer in his backpack last month, her